Spirit-fueled scholarships open to students this fall

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Monday, Sep 19, 2016

Spirit-fueled scholarships open to students this fall

The Grizz Gang and Golden Grizzlies Band have much in common. Not only are they staples of the spirited ambiance at Oakland University athletic events, but they are also among the closest-knit student groups on campus.

Both are also a source of inspiration behind two recently established scholarships – one honoring the memory of a former Golden Grizzlies Band member, and the other created by past members of the Grizz Gang. Both scholarships are now open for students to apply.

The Golden Grizzlies Band energizes the crowd through music.

Eric T. Pauli Memorial Scholarship

The Eric T. Pauli Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Eric Pauli, an OU student who lost his life in a snowmobile accident in 2014. A pre-engineering major at Oakland and also an accomplished musician, Pauli was an avid member of the Golden Grizzlies Band.

Pauli’s parents, Ed and Dawn, created the endowment, which will provide ongoing scholarship support for students pursuing non-music careers, but who still have a passion for music.

“Of Eric’s many interests, I think what made him happiest was being a part of the band in high school. We were so excited when he joined the (Golden Grizzlies Band) and continued to be involved in music at Oakland,” said Dawn. “This scholarship helps us make that connection. Through Eric, we will be able to help another Oakland student. It’s something that I really think Eric would be proud of.”

The Eric T. Pauli Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to its first recipient in winter 2017.

Golden Grizzly Spirit Award

The Golden Grizzly Spirit Award was created by an enthusiastic group of young alumni and former Grizz Gang members. Like the Golden Grizzlies Band, the Grizz Gang is a mainstay at OU sporting events, with members stationed in the bleachers – decked out in black and gold. Among the contributors to the scholarship is Ryan Mostiller (SEHS ‘10, SBA, ’15), a former Grizz Gang member who earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree at OU.

“All of us were very involved when we were students, especially with athletics and the Grizz Gang,” Mostiller said. “We wanted to find a way to honor a student who goes above and beyond in showing school spirit. We didn’t really see any scholarships that matched that description, so we decided to create one ourselves.”

The Golden Grizzly Spirit Award was first awarded in winter 2016 and has since grown with support from campus community members. It will be awarded in winter 2017 to a student who exemplifies school spirit.